Looking at getting a new deer rifle in the next year or so as I want a bit more capabilities then my MOD 94 30-30. Been looking and thinking about all kinds of bolt guns and comparing. For some reason it seems there isn't very many model 70s available through Canadian retailers. Even looking in general seems like everyone has moved to Tikkas, Brownings, and Remingtons for the more expensive bolt guns and Savage, Ruger and Remington for the less expensive option. What has happened to the Winchester model 70? From the used sales it seemed like at one time it was a popular rifle? Are their issues with them now? Lack of supply? Lack of dealers? Took expensive?. Curious to learn more.
Has the Model 70 Winchester Fallen off the map?
- Thread starter NSHUNTNFARM
- Start date
Between customers not generally buying many $1k+ guns these days and a new pricing / buying strategy by Browning I don't think many dealers are bothering to stock them which is a shame. They are excellent rifles and I love mine. Maybe talk to a local Winchester or Browning dealer and they could likely bring in whatever you want in a short time if it is available at the main warehouse or at another dealer. Has worked well for me with my local store.
I agree with GMC403, they're better than ever... I think prices start around $1200 these days, which could be another reason you don't see too many around. The masses are generally looking towards the budget offerings out there, which is what retailers are carrying in abundance.
My local shop is a full browning dealer, winchester and browning are the same company now right? Im not apposed to paying a bit over 1K for a rifle that will last. Sure cheaper ones will do the same job but in 20 years am I still going to be excited to pull a savage axis out of the safe and head out to the field? I think not
Most *new* hunters/firearm owners are buying the inexpensive, bottom tier Remington, Savage and Mossberg. To these people, a $1,000+ rifle without rings, bases and optics is "expensive". Dealers are going to stock the fast movers. Two fast nickles is better than one slow dime. Is there a supply problem with Browning-Winchester?
Dorian Gray
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
What model are you looking for? Epps has a few different models in a few different calibers.
https://ellwoodepps.com/hunting/fir...0&limit=100&no_cache=true&order=product_model
Wholesalesports was clearing them out last year at around the $700 dollar mark and they were not selling fast, I really like them but I get the idea that they are not as popular as they once were. I have two and can't imagine not owning at least one.
I LOVE my 70 E.W. in .30-06. It was sitting on the shelf at my local C.T. for about 2 years. I finally split with the old lady, then promptly went out and treated myself to it. Best trade-off I've ever gotten.
Winchester closed down production for a couple years to move production and bust a union. That lead to a run on remaining inventory and the supply has never caught up since reintroduction. They are easily the best executed M70s "Winchester" ever made. They got rid of that stupid center screw and 2 piece bottom metal, although purists frown about the trigger change it has proven out.
The M70 just might be the best pure hunting rifle by design and the last rendition is the best of
the bunch. Just don't get into a shooting match with the average Remington and you'll be fine.
The M70 just might be the best pure hunting rifle by design and the last rendition is the best of
the bunch. Just don't get into a shooting match with the average Remington and you'll be fine.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Sadly, our main firearm dealer in NS is Canadian Tire and they don't stock the M70. But they're out there, you just have to look.
- Location
- NFA country
My older brother quit hunting recently for health reasons and gave me a Winchester pre-64 Model 70 "Featherweight" in 308 Win still in the original box with all the tags.
He normally used a Marlin 336C in 30-30 for hunting so the Winchester model 70 was never used.
I doubt if even a box of ammo was fired from it.
It's pristine.
Bluing and finish immaculate and the same as the day he picked it off the rack back around the late 1950s or early 60s.
He normally used a Marlin 336C in 30-30 for hunting so the Winchester model 70 was never used.
I doubt if even a box of ammo was fired from it.
It's pristine.
Bluing and finish immaculate and the same as the day he picked it off the rack back around the late 1950s or early 60s.
